I talked to a guy at tirerack.com via email about the Traction T/A, and this is what I learned:

There are actually two different version of this tire, the Traction T/A, and the Traction T/A "Spec."

The "Spec" version is what comes from the factory on the 2005 Mustang V6. It is made in the USA, it has a 5-rib SYMMETRICAL tread pattern (it can be mounted either way), and it has no rim protector.

The non-Spec version of this tire is made in Canada, it has a 6-rib DIRECTIONAL tread pattern (it can only be mounted one way), and it has a rim protector.

Both versions are available with a "T" rating, and have the same 70,000 mile tread life warranty. The non-Spec version is also available in H and V ratings; I don't know if the "Spec" version is or not. I would guess probably not.

I can tell you from experience that the non-Spec version of this tire is great, but it seems the "Spec" version is only average at best.

BFGoodrich makes the 215/65-TR16 size in both Spec and non-Spec versions. Why Ford didn't use the non-Spec version, I don't know. Maybe they saved $20 per car by using the Spec version.

 

Interesting information! Thanks!

But what are we to do? Replace brand new tires?

 

I'm going to put the factory tires on steel rims and keep them around for winter driving, and put a set of 235/60-R16s on the factory rims. Buying new wheels gets expensive, and the factory rims look so nice!

Besides non-Spec Traction T/As, another tire I am considering is the Kumho Ecsta KH11. It's a summer-only tire, but that will work if I keep the originals for winter. And it's cheap!

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?ti...rtnum=36WR6KH11

There's no way to directly compare it with the Traction T/A in Tireracks reviews, since they are in different categories, but both tires scored at the top of their category.

I really like the asymmetrical tread pattern on the KH11. I wonder how they autocross...

 

I feel the same way after reading all the negative press on these tires its hard to keep them on. But its harder to justify purchasing brand new tires to replace brand new tires--I only have 800 miles on my mustang.....what to do what to do

 

How do you like your tires so far? Do they give you good traction?

I feel the same way after reading all the negative press on these tires its hard to keep them on. But its harder to justify purchasing brand new tires to replace brand new tires--I only have 800 miles on my mustang.....what to do what to do
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it hasnt rained down here so I dont know about wet driving but braking does stink!

 

A little input from the North...

We have head a great deal of snow here in Cleveland, and I have to say these tires (and not to forget the car!!) do extremely well in the snow. Have had a number of previous fox chassised cars and they were very poor in the white stuff.

I plan on using this tire wheel set for winter driving and will be purchasing a "nice weather" tire wheel set as well.

 

Do you know how they do in the rain? We don't get too much snow down here in Texas, but it does rain a lot at times.......

 

I have drivven in the rain down here and the stock tires do great. 85-90 mph no hydroplaining at all stuck to the ground. in cornering no prob.




will change min out to 235/55/R16 eventually

 

OK, thanks for the reply. I think I'll give the stock tires a try before I go and order new tires or rims. Just getting the car will be expensive enough!

 

I dont think I will be changing mine out anytime soon.

 

This might be the reason why Ford chose the tire over the better dry handling non-Spec version. We've been driving FWD cars in North America for so long that a lot of younger drivers haven't even driven a RWD car in bad weather, except for maybe a 2WD pickup.

It would be nice if Ford allowed tire choice as an option. Toyota does this on some models.

 

Yeah, I would like tire choices as well. B)

It would be cool to have about four or five wheel/tire choices!

They'll probably have that in the next years choice!

This might be the reason why Ford chose the tire over the better dry handling non-Spec version. We've been driving FWD cars in North America for so long that a lot of younger drivers haven't even driven a RWD car in bad weather, except for maybe a 2WD pickup.

It would be nice if Ford allowed tire choice as an option. Toyota does this on some models.
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Have been getting some rain here in NC. My only thing is you need to go easy starting from a light, because she spins like crazy with just a little too much gas on a wet road.

 

I don't think it is necessarily a wet road so much as it is the lack of traction on a painted line, at least in my case. In either case, she needs some wider tires with better wet traction.

 

Would anybody happen to know how wide of a tire would be allowable ? that is 1 thats ok with Ford not to goof up the rear end gears and such. 2 a maximun allowable width that not change the skid stuff , I gather they did the testing with the 235's on it.

 

The stock tires are okay in my opinion i have had a lot worse on other new cars. The only way i'll be changin tires before thess wear out will be if i get a set of bullitt takes offs w/ tires. If not then these will have to do. When these wear out i'll be looking for kumhos that fit. My wifes last car a 2003 Toyota corolla had firestone fr90's they stinked went to a kumho and it was like a different car it was like we put tires on that had claws. Best example was driving one night in really hard rain and i mean really hard rain even truck drivers were pulling over and i was coasting past everybody at 80 with no hydroplaining at all! They were really quite and had awesome dry traction as well! Oh and they were only $35/tire.

 

Do you know what model Kumho that was?

Sounds like it might be good for the Mustang.......

 

The tires were Kumho ECSTA HP4 716. I am looking to see if they will work for our cars.

 

Ok the tires from tirerack are $70/tire they are h rated good for 130mph. They have supeior dry traction and all the other survey points are excellent. Someone mentioned the traction was not good in snow i don't know about that. From my experience in the corolla which had 130hp not a real tire spinner to begin with but the stock tires got no traction compared to i couldn't get these to break unless i power braked or nailed it and turned. They were real quite too made the car run a lot smoother and not as noisy. Anyway not sure how they will perform with power. They do come in a 235/55/16 which Unfourtunantly it never has clicked how the numbers work but i think the 235 makes it wider? I dunno but they are $77/tire.